BA (Hons) — 2025 entry Modern Languages (French and Spanish)
Our flexible Modern Languages degree will empower you to become fluent in both French and Spanish and understand the core concepts of language, ahead of a rewarding career in translation, interpreting and many other communication disciplines.
Studying a bachelor's degree in French and Spanish at Surrey offers immersive teaching in both languages, to develop fluency fast.
You'll have the option of practical module choices including Languages for the Professional World and Introduction to TEFL.
Our French and Spanish degree is a course for the digital age, in which you'll develop 'future-proof' skills that are highly valued by employers, such as problem-solving, communications and intercultural awareness.
If you don’t have an A-level or equivalent in one of the languages, you’ll have the opportunity to take it as a beginner.
The professional placement and study abroad opportunities are outstanding, with companies such as EDF and Macmillan, and with our partner universities across the globe.
We are renowned for excellent pastoral care with small class sizes, sector-leading staff-student ratio and an individualised approach.
Our BA (Hons) Modern Languages (French and Spanish) course will improve your practical language skills and allow you to gain a strong understanding of how languages work.
You’ll have the opportunity to take translation modules in each year of your course. You’ll also learn about the cultures and societies of the countries where your chosen languages are spoken in interactive modules taught in the target language.
Whilst three years of your years studying your modern languages degree is based in the UK, the course includes a Professional Training placement abroad, giving you the choice between work, study, or a combination of the two.
Facilities
Our language teaching facilities include digital language labs, a multimedia lab, our own virtual learning environment and an e-portfolio system.
Between classes, you can use our Language Study Area, in the University’s purpose-built Learning Centre.
We have a computer suite of PCs offering the latest in language-learning technology and interactive programs in 18 different languages to develop your language skills.
You can read the international press and choose from a range of books and audio materials.
If you prefer film or video as a means of learning, you can access our media store of programmes and films. You can watch online, view live satellite TV from five countries, or even choose a foreign-language film from our world cinema collection.
The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each. Each semester consists of a period of teaching, revision/directed learning and assessment.
The structure of our programmes follow clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes.
Please note: Thefull module listing for the optional Professional Training placement part of your course is available in the relevant programme specification.
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Modules are subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff.
This module supports students’ development of personal and professional attitudes and abilities appropriate to a Professional Training placement. It supports and facilitates self-reflection and transfer of learning from their Professional Training placement experiences to their final year of study and their future employment. The PTY module is concerned with Personal and Professional Development towards holistic academic and non-academic learning, and is a process that involves self-reflection, documented via the creation of a personal record, planning and monitoring progress towards the achievement of personal objectives. Development and learning may occur before and during the placement, and this is reflected in the assessment model as a progressive process. However, the graded assessment takes place primarily towards the end of the placement. Additionally, the module aims to enable students to evidence and evaluate their placement experiences and transfer that learning to other situations through written and presentation skills.
This module supports students’ development of personal and professional attitudes and abilities appropriate to a Professional Training placement. It supports and facilitates self-reflection and transfer of learning from their Professional Training placement experiences to their final year of study and their future employment. The PTY module is concerned with Personal and Professional Development towards holistic academic and non-academic learning, and is a process that involves self-reflection, documented via the creation of a personal record, planning and monitoring progress towards the achievement of personal objectives. Development and learning may occur before and during the placement, and this is reflected in the assessment model as a progressive process. However, the graded assessment takes place primarily towards the end of the placement. Additionally, the module aims to enable students to evidence and evaluate their placement experiences and transfer that learning to other situations through written skills.
This module supports students’ development of personal and professional attitudes and abilities appropriate to a Professional Training placement. It supports and facilitates self-reflection and transfer of learning from their Professional Training placement experiences to their final year of study and their future employment. The PTY module is concerned with Personal and Professional Development towards holistic academic and non-academic learning and is a process that involves self-reflection. Development and learning may occur before and during the placement, and this is reflected in the assessment model as a progressive process. However, the graded assessment takes place primarily towards the end of the placement. Additionally, the module aims to enable students to evidence and evaluate their placement experiences and transfer that learning to other situations through written skills.
This module, delivered in English to students following French,Spanish and German degree programmes, is taught during semester 1 of FHEQ Level 4. The module gives a broad introduction to linguistics including history and development of language, 1st language acquisition and 2nd language learning, types of teaching and learning, learning strategies and motivation. Students apply knowledge gained to write a reflective portfolio analysing their past and present language learning and future language learning plans.
This module is taught in Spanish in semester 1 of FHEQ Level 4. Student journey: this is a sem. 1, L4 module, which is compulsory for post A level students of Spanish. It aims to support students at the start of their transition to HE, both pastorally and academically, and to impart working habits and emerging skills which will be developed throughout their degree. The module is the first of four language-focused modules taken by Spanish students, including at L6.
This is an intensive introduction to a modern foreign language, covering the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). Students follow a coursebook covering a wide range of everyday topics, such as home life, education, hobbies, food, culture, and tourism. Tutors guide students through the course material, employing interactive tasks encompassing all four skills, pair, and group work, and providing extensive supplementary activities for independent study. The module is designed to enable students to attain a pre-intermediate/intermediate level in the target language by the end of the first semester.
This module is taught in French in semester 1 of FHEQ Level 4. Student journey: this is a semester 1, L4 module, which is compulsory for post A level students of French. It aims to support students at the start of their transition to HE, both pastorally and academically, and to impart working habits and emerging skills which will be developed throughout their degree. The module is the first of four language-focused modules taken by French students, including at L6.
This module is designed to introduce the academic study of drama and film. By studying three modern British plays and their adaptations to the screen you will develop an understanding of how drama and film are distinguished from other printed forms of literature alongside an appreciation of their cultural significance. Students on the module will be encouraged to think about the relationship between texts and their immediate historical and political contexts. You will be trained in the use of technical terms for drama and films, and will be introduced to the visual and audio analysis appropriate to both forms. Students will have the opportunity to develop creative as well as critical responses to the films and plays studied.
This module complements the language modules in Level 4 by introducing students to the history, culture and society of Spain. It provides insight into the history, traditions and topical issues of the country where they may be spending time during PTY and will provide opportunities to develop linguistic competence and intercultural awareness.
In this module, students develop their fluency and accuracy in the target language, through language-learning tasks across all four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), with a focus on the use of French in professional contexts. This module is taught in the target language in semester 2 of FHEQ Level 4.
In this module, students develop their fluency and accuracy in the target language, through language-learning tasks across all four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), with a focus on the use of Spanish in professional contexts. This module is taught in the target language in semester 2 of FHEQ Level 4.
This module builds on the language skills acquired in semester 1 across all four skills (reading, listening, speaking, and writing), and enables students to attain a level of advanced competency roughly equivalent to B2 on the CEFR. A course book is used in class, and additional activities focus on developing language skills for the professional world, e.g. writing a CV and cover letter, and practising interviews. This enables students to start preparing for the PTY abroad and feeds into their Level 5 language module, where they are integrated with the rest of the cohort.
This module complements the language modules in Level 4 by introducing students to the cultures and societies of countries where French is spoken. It provides insight into the history, traditions and topical issues of countries where they may be spending time during PTY and will provide opportunities to develop linguistic competence and intercultural awareness.
Optional modules for Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4
Students must take the compulsory modules of the two named languages.
Students without A level or equivalent in a language will take two ab initio modules in the first year, in place of Language for academic study and Language for the professional world. For all other modules they will join post-A level students.
Year 2 - BA (Hons) with placement
Semester 1
Compulsory
In this module, students develop their fluency and accuracy in the target language, through language-learning tasks across all four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), with a focus on using French to carry out, present, and write up research projects on a theme connected to the French-speaking world. This module is taught in the target language in semester 1 of FHEQ Level 5.
In this module, students develop their fluency and accuracy in the target language, through language-learning tasks across all four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), with a focus on using Spanish to carry out, present, and write up research projects on a theme connected to the Spanish-speaking world. This module is taught in the target language in semester 1 of FHEQ Level 5.
This is a module for Level 5 students in the School of Literature and Languages. It is taught over one semester, with three contact hours per teaching week.The module considers a range of approaches to teaching English as a Foreign Language, approaches which can be applied to the teaching of other languages. It provides practice and assessment in lesson planning and in teaching through peer teaching tasks. The skills developed on the module such as speaking in front of groups and decision making are transferable to a number of other careers. The module is capped at 14 students in each semester.
This is a practical introduction to translation from French to English. Students will be introduced to some basic concepts and terminology in translation and will learn through translating short texts from French to English and writing reflective commentaries on translation issues. Students will gain an understanding of the processes involved in translating from French to English and will develop their ability to analyse and interpret texts and to recognise and resolve translation issues, using appropriate translation resources. Texts will be contemporary and will cover a range of text types, chosen to illustrate a wide variety of translation problems as well as to introduce aspects of Francophone cultures.
This is a practical introduction to translation from Spanish to English. Students will be introduced to some basic concepts and terminology in translation and will learn through translating short texts from Spanish to English and writing reflective commentaries on translation issues. Students will gain an understanding of the processes involved in translating from Spanish to English and will develop their ability to analyse and interpret texts and to recognise and resolve translation issues, using appropriate translation resources. Texts will be contemporary and will cover a range of text types, chosen to illustrate a wide variety of translation problems as well as to introduce aspects of Spanish-speaking cultures.
Student journey integration: this module builds in particular on other L4 modules which have a higher degree of specialism in terms of knowledge and methodology. For students enrolled in a joint degree combining two languages, it is closely connected with ‘parallel’ modules in German or Spanish. It also makes references to and builds on skills developed in other L5 modules, in particular data analysis. By extending the students’ knowledge of contemporary French-speaking societies and in particular their ability to discuss them in specialised French, the module contributes to their readiness to undertake the level P year abroad, especially when they are going on placement This module is taught in the target language in semester 2 of FHEQ Level 5.
This a level 5 module for students of Spanish. It explores the history and culture of those modern nation states who share with Spain the use of Spanish and close historical and cultural ties formed through centuries of contact and interaction. It also makes references to and builds on skills developed in previous Spanish Language modules, in particular data analysis.
Sociolinguistics explores language as a social phenomenon, examining both how social factors affect language, and what language can tell us about society. This module introduces students to the interaction between language and society. We start by considering the linguist variables that reflect our social identity, before examining how speaker’s responses to external social factors influences the way in which languages are used, lost and standardized. This module is taught in English at FHEQ Level 5. Introduction to Sociolinguistics builds on themes in linguistics introduced at throughout modules taught at Level 4 and provides in-depth preparation for Level 6 modules that focus in detail on the sociolinguistics of specific languages including French and Spanish.
This module takes students off campus and into local schools. They work closely with MFL or English Literature teachers, shadowing them or taking small groups of school students, and gaining an insight into the teaching profession. This module complements ELA2012 Introduction to TEFL, by allowing students to see teaching strategies and techniques in the real world. The Module has the backing of the "Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme" (www.uas.ac.uk).
This is a practical introduction to translation from English to Spanish. Students will learn to express some basic concepts and terminology in translation in Spanish and will learn through translating short texts from English to Spanish and writing reflective commentaries on translation issues. Students will gain an understanding of the processes involved in translating from English to Spanish and will develop their ability to analyse and interpret texts and to recognise and resolve translation issues, using appropriate translation resources. Texts will be contemporary and will cover a range of text types, chosen to illustrate a wide variety of translation problems and enhance cultural awareness.
This is a practical introduction to translation from English to French. Students will learn to express some basic concepts and terminology in translation in French and will learn through translating short texts from English to French and writing reflective commentaries on translation issues. Students will gain an understanding of the processes involved in translating from English to French and will develop their ability to analyse and interpret texts and to recognise and resolve translation issues, using appropriate translation resources. Texts will be contemporary and will cover a range of text types, chosen to illustrate a wide variety of translation problems and enhance cultural awareness.
Optional modules for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
Students must take the compulsory modules of the two named languages in their pathway and choose 4 of the relevant optional modules
Year 3 - BA (Hons) with placement
Semester 1
Compulsory
Student journey: although this module is not compulsory, all final-year students are expected to take at least one iteration of the final-year 'Advanced language skills modules', which means that students enrolled in the Business Management and French course will take this module. Depending on their degree combination, students may also opt to do two versions of this module. The module builds on and develops language and language-related skills acquired at Levels 4 and 5 and on PTY. It extends the Language-focused modules at L4 and L5. It is similarly intended to advance language proficiency in all key skills, while equipping students with a wide range of methodological skills: summary writing (first learnt at L4, and central to L6 modules in a more complex format), formulating research questions and structuring essays, delivering convincing oral presentations. For those completing a third-year placement, the module aims explicitly to channel newly-acquired language skills in order to enhance academic performance and employability. The module is also intended to provide extensive and targeted support for the preparation and writing of the final-year dissertation, in both its short and long modes. This module is taught in the target language in semester 1 of FHEQ Level 6.
Student journey: Although this module is not compulsory, all final-year students are expected to take at least one iteration of the final-year 'Advanced language skills modules', which means that students enrolled in the Business Management and French course will take this module. Depending on their degree combination, students may also opt to do two versions of this module. The module builds on and develops language and language-related skills acquired at Levels 4 and 5 and on PTY It extends the L4 and L5 Language-focused modules. It is similarly intended to advance language proficiency in all key skills, while equipping students with a wide range of methodological skills: critical summary writing, formulating research questions and structuring essays, delivering convincing oral presentations. For those who have completed a third-year placement, the module aims explicitly to channel newly-acquired language skills in order to enhance academic performance and employability. The module is also intended to provide extensive and targeted support for the preparation and writing of the final-year dissertation in both the short and long modes. This module is taught in the target language in semester 1 of FHEQ Level 6.
This module provides an overview of the main theoretical premises that underpin Translation Studies as an independent discipline. It offers students the opportunity to use theoretical concepts as aids of problem solving, describing/assessing translation and promoting translators’ self-image or of becoming aware of cultural and ideological issues linked to translation. This conceptual side of the module is complemented by application of the theory; thus, different text types are examined in practical exercises used throughout the module, ranging from the creative (museum and tourism texts, news items, international/localized websites, subtitled excerpts, novels) to the more factual (official documents, popular science texts, medical texts, instruction manuals, public information leaflets), also focusing on various units of translation (from specialized terms and interlinked sentences to ‘text acts’ and non-verbal components).
This is a FHEQ Level 6 module for Modern Languages students. It can be taken in either Autumn or Spring semester, with contact hours arranged individually between student and supervisor. It allows students to undertake a 4000-word research project in one of their target languages.
This is a practical module on translation from English to French which builds on what students have learnt at L5 and on PTY. Students will learn through translating texts from English to French and writing reflective commentaries on translation issues. Students will deepen their understanding of the processes involved in translating from English to French and will hone their ability to analyse and interpret texts and to recognise and resolve translation issues, using appropriate translation resources. Texts will be contemporary and will cover a range of text types, chosen to illustrate a wide variety of translation problems and enhance cultural awareness.
This is a practical module on translation from English to Spanish which builds on what students have learnt at L5 and on PTY. Students will learn through translating texts from English to Spanish and writing reflective commentaries on translation issues. Students will deepen their understanding of the processes involved in translating from English to Spanish and will develop their ability to analyse and interpret texts and to recognise and resolve translation issues, using appropriate translation resources. Texts will be contemporary and will cover a range of text types, chosen to illustrate a wide variety of translation problems and enhance cultural awareness.
This is a FHEQ Level 6 module for Modern Languages students. It can be taken in either Autumn or Spring semester, with contact hours arranged individually between student and supervisor. It allows students to undertake a 4000-word research project in one of their target languages.
This module, which assumes no prior knowledge of languages other than English, is intended to give students an insight into the diversity of human communication systems found throughout the world. In order to understand how language works, we need to examine the variety of systems to be found, some of which differ drastically from what we know and what we might expect. This module builds on the skills students have developed in constructing arguments and finding evidence in support of their reasoning through their modules at Levels 4 and 5, by demonstrating how complimentary skills are applied in scientific research related to language. Students are introduced to alternative ways of thinking about the world around us to further develop their ability to scrutinise and assess evidence.
This module builds on knowledge and understanding of how language and society interact, acquired in previous language modules, as well as real world knowledge acquired during PTY. It introduces students to sociolinguistic concepts and terminology in Spanish and explores a range of sociolinguistic phenomena in the Spanish-speaking world, including regional and national variation, and language contact situations. Students will develop research and presentation skills and discover the Spanish-speaking world through a sociolinguistic lens.
This is a FHEQ Level 6 module for Modern Languages students. It can be taken in either Autumn or Spring semester, with contact hours arranged individually between student and supervisor. It allows students to undertake a 4000-word research project in one of their target languages.
This module examines how the arts have shaped French and Francophone culture and the ways in which the state and its institutions (museums, academies etc.) have responded to and politicised certain movements and forms. Some of the most exciting artistic developments have occurred during the most turbulent periods of French history. Students explore the significance of the arts in times of social upheaval and change, and develop an understanding of the global influence of French art. The module is designed to offer breadth and depth. Students will gain an understanding of the development of the arts in the French-speaking world from the medieval period to the present day, while the assessment structure gives students the opportunity to study in depth one or more aspects of a topic of interest. This module is taught in the target language in semester 1 of FHEQ Level 6.
This is a practical module on translation from French to English which builds on what students have learnt at L5 and on PTY. Students will learn through translating texts from French to English and writing reflective commentaries on translation issues. Students will deepen their understanding of the processes involved in translating from French to English and will develop their ability to analyse and interpret texts and to recognise and resolve translation issues, using appropriate translation resources. Texts will be contemporary and will cover a range of text types, chosen to illustrate a wide variety of translation problems as well as to deepen and broaden knowledge and understanding of Francophone cultures and societies.
This is a practical module on translation from Spanish to English which builds on what students have learnt at L5 and on PTY. Students will learn through translating texts from Spanish to English and writing reflective commentaries on translation issues. Students will deepen their understanding of the processes involved in translating from Spanish to English and will develop their ability to analyse and interpret texts and to recognise and resolve translation issues, using appropriate translation resources. Texts will be contemporary and will cover a range of text types, chosen to illustrate a wide variety of translation problems as well as to deepen and broaden knowledge and understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures and societies.
This is a FHEQ Level 6 module for Modern Languages students. It can be taken in either Autumn or Spring semester, with contact hours arranged individually between student and supervisor. It allows students to undertake a 4000-word research project in one of their target languages.
This is a FHEQ Level 6 module for Modern Languages students. It is taken over Autumn and Spring semesters, with contact hours arranged individually between student and supervisor. It allows students to undertake a long research project in one of their target languages.
Optional modules for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
Compulsory: choose Long dissertation or short dissertation in one language, and Advanced Language Skills module in the same language. Options: choose 5 or 6 from the relevant optional modules, maintaining a balance between the two named languages of the pathway. The Short Dissertation and Advanced Language Skills are also available as optional modules in the other language.
Teaching and learning
We support you in becoming an independent language learner and confident communicator, and place great emphasis on the teaching of study skills. Our teaching style is innovative and highly engaging in both lectures and seminars.
You are taught mostly in small groups, and almost always in the target language.
Individual module tutors happily discuss academic concerns and personal tutors are always ready to advise and assist you if you have any personal or academic issues.
Group work
Independent study
Lectures
Practical sessions
Seminars
Tutorials
Workshops
Assessment
We assess modules individually and award credits for the successful completion of each one. Assessment takes place through a combination of examination and/or coursework, practical examinations and reports.
Check individual module information to see full details at a module level.
General course information
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Timetable
New students will receive their personalised timetable in Welcome Week. In later semesters, two weeks before the start of semester.
Scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday), with part-time classes normally scheduled on one or two days. Wednesday afternoons tend to be for sports and cultural activities.
This course is based at Stag Hill campus. Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
Our graduates do exceptionally well in the employment market as a result of their academic excellence and their experience abroad. The survey, Graduate Outcomes 2024, HESA, shows that 90 per cent of our Literature and Languages undergraduate students go on to employment or further study.
Our students’ proficiency in languages, combined with their understanding of intercultural processes and socio-political contexts, gives them a distinct advantage in an increasingly competitive international employment market.
Our emphasis on transferable skills such as presentation and research techniques, and communication across linguistic and cultural boundaries, ensures that our graduate profile fits the expectations of prospective employers.
Our graduates over the last few years have secured roles such as:
Associate Finance Consultant, JDX Consulting
Internal Account Manager, Gamma
Market Researcher, NonStop Medical Devices
Personal Assistant, Ministry of Defence
Project Executive, Language Connect
Quality Manager, Transperfect
Sales and Marketing Executive, Palgrave Higher Education/Macmillan Education.
Many students go on to further study in the UK and across Europe. Examples include:
MSc International and European Politics, University of Edinburgh
MSc Business Analytics, University of Surrey.
MBA International Marketing, Sorbonne, Paris
MA European Studies, Cambridge/Sorbonne
Postgraduate Certificate of Education
Certificat d’aptitude pour l’enseignement secondaire.
Our own School of Arts, Humanities and Creative Industries offers a broad range of postgraduate taught degree courses in translation studies.
Learn more about the qualifications we typically accept to study this course at Surrey.
Typical offer
Overall: BBB. Alternatively, ABC with grades of AB in the required subjects.
Required subjects: Grade B in French and Spanish.
Applicants with one of these languages at the required grade at A-level can be considered if they would like to study the second language ab initio. Ab initio study will involve additional contact hours and intensive study during the first year of the programme.
Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted. Applicants taking an A-level science subject with the Science Practical Endorsement are expected to pass the practical element.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade 4 (C).
Overall: DDM.
Required subjects: Please contact us to discuss suitability.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade 4 (C).
Overall: 32.
Required subjects: HL5/SL6 in French and Spanish.
Applicants with one of these languages at the required grade can be considered if they would like to study the second language ab initio. Ab initio study will involve additional contact hours and intensive study during the first year of the programme.
GCSE or equivalent: English A HL4/SL4 or English B HL5/SL6.
Overall: 75%.
Required subjects: French and Spanish with at least a 7.5.
Applicants with one of these languages at the required grade can be considered if they would like to study the second language ab initio. Ab initio study will involve additional contact hours and intensive study during the first year of the programme.
GCSE or equivalent: Either English Language (1/2) 6 or English Language (3)7.
Overall: QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma, 27 Level 3 Credits at Distinction and 18 Level 3 Credits at Merit.
Required subjects: Please contact us to discuss suitability.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language at grade 4 (C).
Overall: ABBBB.
Required subjects: French and Spanish.
Applicants with one of these languages at the required grade can be considered if they would like to study the second language ab initio. Ab initio study will involve additional contact hours and intensive study during the first year of the programme.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language: Scottish National 5 - C
Overall: BBB from a combination of the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and two A-levels.
Required subjects: A-level French and Spanish.
Applicants with one of these languages at the required grade can be considered if they would like to study the second language ab initio. Ab initio study will involve additional contact hours and intensive study during the first year of the programme.
Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted. Applicants taking an A-level science subject with the Science Practical Endorsement are expected to pass the practical element.
GCSE or equivalent: Please check the A-level drop down for the required GCSE levels.
Applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) will receive our standard A-level offer for this programme, plus an alternate offer of one A-level grade lower, subject to achieving an A grade in the EPQ. The one grade reduction will not apply to any required subjects.
Applicants can only receive one grade reduction from the published grades, an EPQ grade reduction can’t be applied in addition to other grade reductions made through other schemes such as Contextual Admissions or In2Surrey.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
International Foundation Year
If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements for this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year at the Surrey International Study Centre. Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree course.
If you are a suitable candidate you will be invited to an offer holder event. During your visit to the University you can find out more about the course and meet staff and students.
Recognition of prior learning
We recognise that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts.
If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process may allow you to join a course without the formal entry requirements or enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.
Explore UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all undergraduate courses.
The annual tuition fees for courses starting in September 2025
We have thousands of placement providers to choose from, most of which offer pay. So, become one of our many students who have had their lives and career choices transformed.
Modern languages (French and Spanish) placements
The Professional Training placement is one of the reasons for our very high employment rates in Literature and Languages. Professional Training is an integral part of this course, be it in the form of a work placement or a study period abroad.
Our placement partners
Some examples of organisations that participate in this scheme include:
1Global Translators, Barcelona
British Council
EDF France
Havas Group
Macmillan Iberia
Office du Tourisme, Paris
RTE International
Volkswagen.
Applying for placements
Students are generally not placed by the University. But we offer support and guidance throughout the process, with access to a vacancy site of placement opportunities.
Find out more about an events Professional Training placement at BMW.
Student
"We have access to a huge range of books and materials, computers with specialised software for language learners, and staff on hand during the weekdays to provide support. The classrooms also boast features to support listening practice."
Alice Brooks Modern Languages (French and Spanish) BA (Hons) Student profile
Study and work abroad
Studying at Surrey opens a world of opportunity. Take advantage of our study and work abroad partnerships, explore the world, and expand your skills for the graduate job market.
The opportunities abroad vary depending on the course, but options include study exchanges, work/research placements, summer programmes, and recent graduate internships. Financial support is available through various grants and bursaries, as well as Student Finance.
Perhaps you would like to volunteer in India or learn about Brazilian business and culture in São Paulo during your summer holidays? With 140+ opportunities in 36+ different countries worldwide, there is something for everyone. Explore your options via our search tool and find out more about our current partner universities and organisations.
Apply for your chosen course online through UCAS, with the following course and institution codes.
We provide these terms and conditions in two stages:
First when we make an offer.
Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.
